How to look good in every photo

Get the perfect profile picture

Fed up of being tagged looking terrible? Check out our tips for mastering the perfect pose and start looking your best in every shot.

Look to your right

A US study conducted by Wake Forest University has revealed that the left side of the face is more attractive than the right, apparently due to the fact that this side of the face shows more emotion. To capture the perfect profile picture, look slightly to the right to reveal your ‘best’ side. This can also help to give the illusion of a slimmer face for those with rounder faces.

Choose your makeup carefully

For the perfect photo-ready appearance, make sure you avoid light reflective or mineral foundations containing high amounts of titanium dioxide (a reflective pigment). Although these foundations are great for an everyday luminous look, the flash of a camera can quickly transform your dewy complexion to a ghostly white one as the white light reflects back from the camera. Once you have applied a suitable foundation, finish your look with some face powder to help eliminate shine.

Accentuate your best features

To look your sparkling best in photos, make sure you emphasize your favourite features to make them the standout feature in your snapshot. Try playing up your eyes with some eyeliner or false lashes. Alternatively, perk up your pout with some bright lipstick. Also, make the most of your best body features with an outfit that complements your shape and colouring.

Look away from the lens

Nobody wants glaring red or half-shut eyes ruining an otherwise great photo, so make sure you avoid this by focusing your eyes just slightly above or below the lens. Looking directly at the lens causes light to flash off the retina, leading to the red eye effect. Looking slightly away from the camera will also reduce the risk of those mid-blink shots.

Avoid “red eye” shots

As “red eye” in photographs is caused by light reflecting off the back of the eye, those with large pupils are more likely to suffer from this pesky problem. If averting your gaze from the camera is not doing the trick, another tip for alleviating the red eye effect is to make sure photos are taken in well lit environment or to look at a bright light just prior to the photograph being taken to make your pupils smaller.

Banish the double chin

There’s nothing worse than spotting a picture of yourself sporting a double chin where you previously only had one, yet sadly this happens to the best of us. To avoid the appearance of a double chin in photographs, make sure that the camera is just above or at your eye level. Also, try tilting your head up and jutting your jaw out slightly – you may want to practice this one first in the mirror to stay looking natural!

Avoid direct light

It may not always be possible to control the lighting for your photographs and, unless you happen to be a professional model, you most likely won’t have someone on hand to make sure it’s just right. However, it is worth bearing in mind that direct light from above can cast shadows on your face and accentuate the appearance of under-eye shadows. Opt for areas with softer lighting or head to the shade if outdoors.

Pose like a pro

If you’re posing for a full body shot, try the classic celeb pose of turning your body three quarters of the way towards the camera, with one shoulder closer to the camera and one foot in front of the other. This will make your body appear slimmer than if you were facing the camera face on. Try keeping your back straight with your shoulders back and your stomach in (just try not to suck it in too much, you won’t be fooling anyone!).

Master the perfect smile

Many of us focus on our mouths when smiling; however, in the words of supermodel Tyra Banks, it’s all about the “smeyes” (smiling with your eyes). Rather than forcing a grin, think about something that makes you happy for a more natural smile. You may also want to perfect your personal smile to work with your features. For instance, a beaming smile works great for those with good teeth, while a more relaxed half smile will make small eyes appear larger and lips appear fuller.

Practice your pose

If you’re really keen to capture the perfect photo, the best thing you can do is practice beforehand. Experiment with different face and body angles, smiles and facial expressions to find what works for you, either in front of the mirror or with your own camera. Once you have discovered which looks you like best, you are ready to unleash them at every photo opportunity, making sure you look perfect each time.